• U.S.

National Affairs: Babylonian Iniquity

1 minute read
TIME

In ancient Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar and Sennacherib were no sucklings in the art of nepotism,† but in Babylon, L. I., where hanging gardens are merely geranium pots, Joseph P. Warta, town supervisor, kept alive Euphratean tradition. He saw to it that his son, aged 17, was appointed Inspector of Roads, paid $6 a day.

† Bestowal of patronage by reason of relationship rather than merit. It originally referred to nephews (sometimes bastard “nephews”) of the mighty.

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com